They get paid because they know enough about the industry to help investors know who to invest in, and who not to invest in.
Frankly, I think 2008 will be Sony's second best year. The content will be there, but it will still cost what 360 did up to a few weeks ago. Japan and the Sony brand are worth maybe 20% extra, but 2009 will be the point when content/pricing intersect to boost consumer interest and sales alot - if it is going to happen. I think the PS3 will have 1-3 years of sales of over 10 million, but it isn't happening this year (2.7 million in 2007 through 30 weeks), and since 360 will likely on sell 7 million in 2007, I can't see PS3 selling more than 8.5 million at that pricepoint (which would be next year). So starting August 19 I expect Nintendo to lead for at least 18 months. Sometime in 2009/2010 I can see PS3 passing 360 lifetime sales however. I have serious doubts that Sony or Microsoft can hit 75 million units worldwide without significant sales in Japan and slow starts worldwide and given their current strategies, although I think 40 million-55 million is pretty doable for Sony and/or Microsoft.
People are difficult to govern because they have too much knowledge.
When there are more laws, there are more criminals.
- Lao Tzu
